Buying on forums - buyer protection paying Paypal

[Kernow_T]

Hi all - I purchased something from another well subscribed Forum in the middle of last week.
The seller had been a member of the forum for 3 years and had consistent if not hugely frequent use - including some based around buying and selling various bicycle parts which show quite an in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for all things bike. The post had photos and the user wasn't on the bed sellers page.
I paid via PayPal, a good price but not ridiculously cheap, and since communication has been a bit sporadic (certainly less than when I was paying!) and the Parcelforce tracking he sent has remained at 'advised' for the last 48 hours. It may well be absolutely fine after all, it's been The Weekend and most have us have been delayed sending stuff off etc however in a situation like this as I'm sure many of you have experience in, will PayPal refund me should he disappear off the face of the Internet and my item not arrive?
Thanks, T

 

[flake99please]

Did you pay using 'goods' or 'gift' payment?

You should get a refund on the former if it goes pear shaped. There isnt any chance of a refund if you have paid using the latter.

 

[keithmac]

I offer to cover the fees if people ask for "gift", for 4% it's not worth the risk.

I would say you should be fine, you het up to 180 days to file a claim, if nothing's turned up after 2 weeks I'd lodge a dispute (as long as you paid by Goods or Services).

I got taken for a ride with a fuel tank not long back, wouldn't answer pm's so I kept updating the Wanted add and surprisingly he responded very quickly .

 

[Kernow_T]

Hi - I seem to remember there being a 'gift' box which I ignored. The seller did contact immediately to say payment received and then how he'd try an ensure it was here by Friday/Saturday. As I said, may well be fine and realistically will know within 24-48 hours if not but handy to have protection if not- will update either way Thanks, T

 

[keithmac]

If you paid by "gift" there would be a charge on top ao sounds like you are covered if the worst happens.

 

[jefmcg]

I offer to cover the fees if people ask for "gift", for 4% it's not worth the risk.

That's not the only reason why sellers ask for "gift". The buyer is protected, but they claw the money back from the seller.

Sellers have been scammed by buyers claiming goods have not been received and getting their money back. Of course, buyers have also been scammed by sellers insisting on gift, but never sending anything.

As the seller didn't ask for gift, I bet they OP will get their goods.

 

[Kernow_T]

That's not the only reason why sellers ask for "gift". The buyer is protected, but they claw the money back from the seller.

Sellers have been scammed by buyers claiming goods have not been received and getting their money back. Of course, buyers have also been scammed by sellers insisting on gift, but never sending anything.

As the seller didn't ask for gift, I bet they OP will get their goods.

They definitely didn't ask for a gift or anything else 'suspect' in that respect so fingers crossed.
Cheers, T

 

[Kernow_T]

That's not the only reason why sellers ask for "gift". The buyer is protected, but they claw the money back from the seller.

Sellers have been scammed by buyers claiming goods have not been received and getting their money back. Of course, buyers have also been scammed by sellers insisting on gift, but never sending anything.

As the seller didn't ask for gift, I bet they OP will get their goods.

I sent the amount agreed - then didn't send a request if that makes sense; I didn't send as a gift however my account was debited that exact amount, no fees - should I be worried?

 

[jefmcg]

I sent the amount agreed - then didn't send a request if that makes sense; I didn't send as a gift however my account was debited that exact amount, no fees - should I be worried?

No, that's normal. The fees come from the seller. Like VAT

If you click on

• Resolve a problem with a purchase

It should take you to a page you can begin the reporting process, if you can. Obviously don't pursue it yet - give the vendor some time - but you should be able to see your options if required.

 

[Kernow_T]

No, that's normal. The fees come from the seller. Like VAT

If you click on

• Resolve a problem with a purchase

It should take you to a page you can begin the reporting process, if you can. Obviously don't pursue it yet - give the vendor some time - but you should be able to see your options if required.

Absolutely; I'll definitely give some more time, and communication thus far with seller (although not heard back for 2 days) has been succinct and polite.
The delay wouldn't be an issue; it's more the seller not doing as they (which they didn't have to) said they would, coupled with a static Parcel force status that causing a bit of unease.
I'll give it until the end of the week and if nothing will open a dispute.
Thanks again

 

[jefmcg]

FYI I've never had to dispute a sale, but I believe the process is weighted heavily towards the buyer, so you should be fine either way.

(note: many people on CC that I would trust ask for paypal gift payment. As far as I know, they have all been honourable. I personally wouldn't buy that way, unless I had a relationship with the person, but I don't know of anyone who has been ripped off here.)

 

[biggs682]

Give the seller a deadline to reply to and to provide proof of despatch and advise them of your next course of action ie lodge and open a case.

If they don't reply then proceed .

 

[Kernow_T]

Thanks both - your input and advice is much appreciated
T

 

[DCLane]

Ask one of the mods to step in on here if you're concerned.

I've only ever had one CC member not send the item, which they did to several CC members buying. Shaun was great about it - I lost £60 but it wasn't CC's fault.

 

[J1888]

Ask one of the mods to step in on here if you're concerned.

I've only ever had one CC member not send the item, which they did to several CC members buying. Shaun was great about it - I lost £60 but it wasn't CC's fault.

Or on the forum he bought it from